Happy Birthday Russell

Against all logic, Jenny and I decided to host Russell's 4th Birthday Party this weekend at home. I felt that it was important to mark the event because this was the first year that he actually understood the concept of a "birthday party" held just for him. So we had been prepping him with the "Birthdays" episode of Elmo's World and rehearsing his birthday speech: "I am four years old".

I could tell that he was very excited about the whole event. Jenny prepared lots of food for our guests, and decorated the dining room with balloons and a "Finding Nemo" theme, which is Russell's latest obsession. There weren't that many people at the party, but enough kids were on hand to provide a festive atmosphere.


The theme of Russell 4th Birthday Party was "Finding Nemo", which was highlighted by this cake


Russell mugs for the camera during the party


Punky plants a kiss on yours truly


Russell parades in front of the first guests to arrive, my cousin Lei-Lei and her kids Anny and Andrew


Punky shows his prowess at stacking party hats


Russell awaits at home for the guests of his 4th Birthday Party

Next time, I think we will just order some pizza and make a salad for our guests. Food preparation and clean-up took a long time for Russell's party.


Our party guests had a choice of several vegetarian dishes


Barbequed meats were also available to party-goers

Other guests at the party included my friends Antonio and Aivy, and Samir and Preeti, along with their children (one per couple). I haven't seen them in a while, so it was nice that we could finally get together and talk a bit in between child meltdowns and feedings.


My friends Antonio and Samir discuss the California Primary Election results


Kyle enjoys Thomas the Tank Engine as his mother Aivy watches


Preeti and her son Sheryas listen as Aivy tells them about the snakes in her backyard